The following cases were heard by South Durham Magistrates sitting at Darlington Magistrates’ Court:

INDECENT IMAGES: James Michael Miller, 56, of Leafield Road, Darlington, faced 17 charges of making an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child when he appeared at Darlington Magistrates’ Court. He gave no indication of a plea. Magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case will be committed to Teesside Crown Court at a date to be fixed.

DUE CARE: Charles Henry Hunter, 40, of Gurney Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving without due care and attention. He had three points added to his licence and was fined £37 by magistrates. He must also pay court costs of £85 and a £15 victim surcharge.

NO INSURANCE: Peter Bulmer, 22, of West Lane, Dalton on Tees, admitted by post a charge of allowing the use of a motor vehicle with no insurance. He had six points added to his licence and was fined £200. He was also ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

DAMAGED VAN: Kye Boyes, 29, of Derby Street, Darlington, had a charge of using a motor vehicle with equipment likely to cause danger of injury proved in his absence. The court heard that a police officer stopped Boyes driving a Mercedes Sprinter van on February 23 with a large part of the front bumper missing and sharp pieces of metal sticking out. He was fined £110 and had three points added to his licence. He must also pay court costs of £85 and a £15 victim surcharge.